2018-19 “Pennies from the Heart” Campaign

The Common Cents-Dallas Program, exclusively offered through Dallas ISD, is a student driven coin collection effort designed to raise money for charity and nonprofit organizations, encourages good citizenship, and social responsibility.

In 1998, Dallas philanthropist Louise Gartner brought the Common Cents program to Dallas ISD to help teach young people about the importance of giving back to their communities. Since that time, District students have organized fundraising drives that have collected over $875,545 in coins donated to support nonprofit organizations in their communities.

Last year, 19 Dallas ISD schools raised and donated more than $37,000 to area nonprofit organizations that help to make life better in their communities.

Participating schools form student groups, made up of four to six student leaders to direct the coin collection and decision-making process. We call the group of students at each school Roundtables as they have discussions around the table to decide which nonprofit to donate to. The idea is the STUDENTS choose what nonprofit organization will receive their money. At the conclusion of the school year an annual celebration is held at which time the students present checks to their chosen nonprofit agencies. Communities Foundation of Texas serves as the depository for the Common Cents funds and disburses the funds to 501(c) (3) organizations designated by the student roundtables.

Participating high school juniors and seniors are encouraged to apply for one of two $3,000 scholarships to a college or trade school of their choice. The scholarship is not based on GPA, and the scholarship review committee looks for students who have gone above and beyond in their involvement, shown concern for their community, and demonstrated outstanding classroom performance.